By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, May 5: The Archaeological Survey of India on Wednesday told the AP High Court that the proposed gold-plating of walls of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala would damage the inscriptions on it which are worth preserving for posterity.
Mr K. Veerabhadra Rao, superintending archaeologist of ASI, submitted an affidavit following a direction of the court stating that the covering of walls with copper plates on the outer surface may encourage formation of moss and lichen producing acids which will cause irreparable damage.
He said there may be no possibility of cleaning the surface.
The long term effect of all this will be assessed by the director (science), Dehradun, and the officer is being approached to furnish his report of analysis regarding quantum of threat on the stone inscriptions if copper plates are fixed on them.
The special bench comprising Justice B. Prakash Rao and Justice R. Kantha Rao perused the affidavit on Wednesday, the third of hearing of petitions filed against the project. Justice R. Kantha Rao wanted to know what prompted the TTD to take up this project and is there any precedent of covering the temple walls with gold. Mr P. Sri Raghu Ram, counsel who appeared for the petitioner, Dr Soundarrajan, wondered why did the TTD not consult the Dharmic Parishad constituted under the provisions of the Endowments Act.
He said that usually the deity is covered with gold ornaments, but there was no precedent of ancient temples being covered with gold. He argued that TTD cannot don the role of Krishnadevaraya who had consulted everyone before taking up various works in the temple.
He contended that this was non-secular activity and unless the religious denomination approves, the TTD cannot go ahead with such a project.
Mr Ramesh Babu, another advocate, brought to the notice of the court the circular issued by the endowments department in 1977 regarding the saving of epigraphs on temples in the state. Even white washing and painting was prohibited.
The arguments will continue on Thursday.
No comments:
Post a Comment